Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi stressed on Sunday the need to distance Lebanon from regional axes.

He said during Easter sermon: “We are cooperating with President Michel Suleiman to ensure Lebanon’s neutrality so that it remains an oasis of peace, justice, and dialogue between cultures.” “These efforts should also enable Lebanon to act as a bridge between East and West,” he added.

“Suleiman is trying to break down the divisions between the Lebanese factions and instill an atmosphere of cooperation among them,” he said. “Lebanon’s value lies in its cultural and religious diversity, which is at the heart of democracy,” declared the patriarch.

In addition, al-Rahi confirmed before the congregation Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Lebanon, which will take place between September 14 and 16. The pontiff is expected to hold talks during his trip with Suleiman and a number of political and civil authorities.